Rebuked

Well, no more overnights in the hospital until the second week in October... so if I’m tired out between now and then, I have only myself to blame.

Br. Joseph Basil, thanks for your comments. I think the reason that Keren-happuchi’s name isn’t translated is because “Horn-of-eye cosmetic” is a pretty weird name for a woman, even by OT standards. I think it sounds more like something you put on before going out on a big date:

“Mom, how do I look?”
“You look beautiful. But put on some more horn-of-eye cosmetic.”

In answer to your question, your Daily Officer is planning on reading Esther this year. Please remind me in 2008 that I said that, so I won’t forget to read Judith then. They’re both great and unusual books. (And with that in mind, one actually could celebrate both of them at once, by reading Esther within the Daily Office and then dressing up as Judith for Halloween--complete with sword, horn-of-eye cosmetic, and Holofernes’ bleeding and severed head in a duffle bag.)

We have more Biblical humor today, this time from Acts. Paul and Silas run across a slave-girl who “has a spirit of divination,” which means she runs around for days announcing to everyone that Paul and Silas have found a new way to salvation. Maybe she’s right, but she obviously drives the Apostles up a wall, because they finally cast the spirit out. Not because the woman was wrong, one assumes, but because she wouldn’t give them a moment’s peace.

“These two have found a new way to salvation!”
“Yes, quite right, but it’s midnight, and we have to get up early tomorrow.”
“These two have found a new way to salvation!”
“Okay already. Really, we like you and all, but we have to sleep.”
“These two have found a new way to salvation!”
“Paul, I’m tired, please rebuke her.”

Lots of people in the Bible get themselves rebuked. That happens in this day and age too. For example, one of my patients sees Satan on a daily basis. I asked her how she dealt with him, and she said simply, “I rebuke him.” Sounds simple enough. Also, two weeks ago a nurse in the clinic said she was having problems with her computer. When I walked by later, she was happily typing away. I said, “I thought you were having problems with your computer.” “Yes,” she said, “but I rebuked it.” I guess it worked.

One final note: my plan for Ember Day fasting led to a great deal of personal suffering. Wow. I’ve skipped meals out of necessity before, but today was different because I had means, motive, and opportunity to eat and yet still abstained. I’m not kidding, it was tough. But my first food of the day was the Host at mass, and it was immeasurably satisfying. Tomorrow there’s a reprieve: the feast of St. Matthew. Then back to fasting again on Thursday and Friday. Pray for me, and I shall pray for you. Peace.